It’s true, there seems to be a day for EVERYONE and today, January 2nd, is the annual observance of World Introvert Day. A day set aside for those of us who are introverts.
I’ve had some fun with posts about introverts before like here.
And this one.
What Are Introverts?
Introverts, as a rule, are not shy, afraid, or arrogant. They are just people who need their own space and time to recharge to function at their best. Small talk is not their forte; but have a discussion about ideas, philosophies, or deeper subjects they know or want to know more about and they are there for it.
If you just want to debate or argue, well maybe not so much.
My mom was an introvert, my father an extrovert. Being an introvert myself I was always amazed at how my dad could walk into a room full of strangers and in a short time know something about almost all of them by interacting with them. He was not adverse to just walking up to strangers and start talking to them.
For me, that is not usually going to happen.
But, later in life, I often thought I may have inherited some of that ability, even though it was not my default behavior.
Introverts Are Not Anti-Social
I have held public speaking jobs, jobs where I had to go out and meet people and engage with them. My last job of 14 years involved walking into the offices of elected officials or their staffers (who were complete strangers to me) and engaging with them and explaining complex federal government programs, policies and procedures to them. Going to their town halls and speaking to their constituents. Being available all hours of the day (and sometimes night) to answer their questions. These are not the career choices for someone who is shy, afraid or arrogant. When needed, I can be the most friendly, outgoing and solicitous person that most people would ever meet.
When there is a reason to be so.
But, when the day is over or the job is over or the need is over, introverts welcome (and require) the time and space to be alone and recharge their “social batteries” so to speak. We may not always want to engage in drinks after work or the company picnic or mindless chit chat. I well remember walking into my hotel room at the end of the day or the end of the week, closing the door and not emerging until the next morning or when the weekend was over. I relished that time alone, not because I had no where else to go or be, but because I needed that solitude for the night or the weekend.
We’re not anti-social, just deliberate about our socializing.
In fact, if I count you among my closest of family or friends, I will heartily enjoy socializing with you. Make no mistake, I will still need some time to myself, but I will also very much enjoy spending time with you.
So if you know an introvert, wish them well today if you see them, lol!
And, if you’re an introvert yourself, celebrate your time and have a Happy World Introvert Day.
